An Approach to the Patient with Hirsutism

    D. Lynn Loriaux
    Image of study
    TLDR The document concludes with guidance for doctors on diagnosing and treating hirsutism effectively and safely.
    The document from 2012 provides a review of hirsutism, an endocrinological condition characterized by excessive hair growth, which can range from a normal variation to a symptom of serious underlying conditions like adrenal adenocarcinoma. It discusses the physiology of normal hair growth in women, outlines common abnormal patterns, and presents a differential diagnosis for each pattern. The review describes a method for physicians to diagnose the causes of hirsutism and evaluates the available treatments, considering their risks and benefits. The focus is on guiding physicians towards an efficient, cost-effective, and safe clinical approach to managing patients with hirsutism.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    5 / 5 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 25 results

      community How does hair loss and recovery work?

      in Chat  12 upvotes 3 months ago
      Hair loss varies due to genetic sensitivity to DHT and other factors. Treatments discussed include finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling.

      community Bile Acid-Mediated DHT Dysregulation Hypothesis

      in Research/Science  13 upvotes 1 month ago
      Elevated bile acids can inhibit the enzyme AKR1C2, leading to increased DHT levels, which may accelerate hair loss in those predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. Treatments mentioned include topical minoxidil and finasteride.

      community DHT levels after 4 weeks of Fina and 8 weeks of Fina + 4 weeks of Duta

      in Update  35 upvotes 5 years ago
      The user reported early stage diffuse hair thinning and increased DHT levels after 4 weeks on Finasteride and 8 weeks on Finasteride plus 4 weeks on Dutasteride, despite the medications being authentic and stored properly. They are considering increasing their Dutasteride dosage due to the lack of side effects and are unsure if the treatment is helping their hair.

      community AA and Hirsutism but T levels are normal

      in Female  8 upvotes 3 years ago
      27-year-old female experiences aggressive hair thinning and hirsutism despite normal testosterone levels. Spironolactone and 2% minoxidil were ineffective; high DHEA sulfate levels may be the cause.

      community Finasteride 5mg & Spironolactone 100mg

      in Female  2 upvotes 3 weeks ago
      A 20-year-old female is using finasteride 5mg and spironolactone 100mg for severe hirsutism and is experiencing minor side effects like water weight loss and irregular periods. She is concerned about potential future side effects and hair regrowth on her scalp.

      community No, Finasteride as a treatment for MPB was not an "accident"

      in Research/Science  105 upvotes 3 years ago
      Finasteride was intentionally developed to treat BPH and later approved for male pattern baldness (MPB) due to its 5AR inhibition effects. The delay in MPB approval was due to concerns about off-label use for female hirsutism and the prioritization of treating a more debilitating condition.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results